A small province at the eastern-most frontier bordering on Cambodia with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural demarcation, Trat is a resort town with over fifty large and small off-shore islands, long white sandy beaches and unspoiled coral ranges. It is also a major fruit-growing and fishing area.

About 315km from Bangkok and covering an area of 2,819 square kilometres, the province is administratively divided into the districts of Mueang Trat, Khao Saming, Laem Ngop, Khlong Yai and Bo Rai, and the sub-districts of Ko Chang and Ko Kut.

It was surmised that the title “Trat” was a corruption of “Krat” which is the name of tree plenty in Trat Province and used in broom production. In Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Naresuan, the town was called “Ban Bang Phra”.

While King Rama V was on the throne, Thai government inevitably made a treaty with France granting the area of current Trat Province to the western country in order that France would withdraw its force from Chanthaburi Province. Later, on March 23, 1906, the King had to grant areas, namely Pratabong, Siem Reap and Sri Sophon to France in exchange with Trat, islands and towns on the right bank of Mekong River. Thus, Trat residents regard March 23 as “Trat Independence Day”. They also built up King Rama V Monument at the city hall to commemorate the King’s attempt to keep Trat with Thailand.

On January 17, 1941, during Indochina War, French Squadron transgressed Thailand’s territorial waters. Thai flotilla came to protect the land. Thus, the war which was later known as “Ko Chang Naval Battle” began. Thai troop won and managed to drive out French Squadron. However, Thai side lost three warships, namely Songkhla, Chon Buri and Thon Buri as well as some naval officers. Therefore, on the date of every year, Thai Naval Army holds the annual merit making day to dedicate to those who sacrificed their lives and in their effort to protect the country.

Bangkok Airways has flights from Bangkok to Trat (Amphoe Khao Saming) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. For further details, please contact Tel. 0 2265 5555, 0 2265 5678, or Trat office at Tel. 0 3952 5767-8, 0 3952 5299 or www.bangkokair.com. (A transfer service is available from the airport to the ferry pier where tourists can take a ferry to Ko Chang.)

Trat – Chanthaburi, from the market in Trat provincial town, there are regular buses to Chanthaburi leaving Trat daily every half an hour during 08.00 a.m. – 03.30 p.m. The journey takes 1½ hours and the fare is approximately Bt 40.

A taxi is also available between Chanthaburi – Trat, leaving Wongwian Nam Phu (Fountain Circle) in Chanthaburi and beside the Mueang Trat Hotel in Trat during 06.00 a.m.–05.00 p.m. daily. The journey takes nearly 1½ hours and the fare is Bt 60 each (5–6 persons/taxi).

Bo Rai –Chanthaburi, leaving every half an hour during 08.00 a.m.–05.00 p.m. The journey takes 1½ hours and the fare is Bt 50.

Generally, transportation to various districts starts from the provincial town. The Song Thaeo minibuses leave the Municipal Market and Bank of Ayudhya daily. After 7.00 p.m. travellers will have to charter one at an agreed price.

Overnight Experience at Local Fruit Orchard (Community based tours with locals), Huai Raeng Village, ☎+668 1139 5593, [1]. All-Day. Huai Raeng is a village by the canal where locals live in serenity with lush and abundant orchards. Locals are friendly and are welcome to receiving a limited number of travelers every month. Local Alike, a travel social enterprise, is able to help you arrange a private trip there for an immersive and truly Thai experience.edit

Mairood Resort, 28 Moo.6 T.Mairood, A.Klong Yai, Trat 23110 (On road 318 from Trat city between KM34 and KM35 turn right and follow the road for 3km to the fishing village of Mairood and follow the signs for Mairood resort where you will be welcomed by the Thai owner Chin.), ☎Mbl:089-8414858, [2]. checkin: Anytime; checkout: Anytime. Mairood resort is a perfect taste of traditional Thai fishing village life nestled by the perfect waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The resort contains a swimming pool, hammocks, fantastic tropical gardens with a myriad of pets wandering amongst the gardens and is a perfect setting for a relaxing break away from the noise and bustle of cosmopolitan Bangkok, which is a mere 4-5 hours drive away. Come and be welcomed by your friendly Thai host, Chin.300 - 1800. edit